About Me

Welcome to my tiny little space on the Internet! I’m Kristen, a wife, mom to an amazing little boy who keeps me on my feet, runner turned triathlete, and PhD who specializes in social psychology. I am an outgoing introvert who loves crazy escapades, early morning hours, being in the middle of nowhere, connecting with likeminded people, and traveling to new and exotic places. I started this blog as a way to share my passion for fitness, running, triathlon, family, the outdoors, and traveling. Join me on my adventures as I set out to train for Ironman Canada in 2017, while managing the ins and outs of life!

My Passion for Fitness and Running

I feel blessed to have a strong, healthy body that allows me to push the limits and gain more confidence each and every day. It wasn’t until my father passed away from Pancreatic Cancer in 2006 that I began running and completed my first marathon. Running became an outlet and allowed me to emotionally heal. I was able to cope with all my anger, tears, pain, regrets, frustrations, and loneliness by throwing on my running shoes, turning on some music, and heading out the door for miles and miles of running therapy.

I fell in love with the process of training and the work required to accomplish the goal of crossing a finish line. In 2014 I set a new goal for myself, wanting to overcome my fear of swimming and compete in a triathlon. Perhaps it was a couple of glasses of wine that convinced me, but regardless, I ended up registering for Ironman 70.3 Boise. Go big or go home. It was one of the most rewarding training experiences of my life as I worked with a coach and challenged myself in new remarkable ways. After finishing IM Boise and IM Lake Stevens 70.3 that summer, I knew I had discovered the next chapter of my life.

After giving birth to my son in September of 2015, I finally checked a big one off the bucket list and crossed the finish line of Ironman Coeur d’Alene in August 2016. It was an incredible experience and one that has now become a lifestyle I hope to share with others. I want to constantly live a life where I am changing, growing, and challenging myself in unique ways. If this means I have to step outside of my comfort zone, sprinkle a little glitter, kick up the dust, get a little dirty, and adapt to change, so be it.

Ultimately, I love to write. I love to connect with people. And I love to share experiences. This blog brings a little extra joy to my life and I’m happy you stopped by. 🙂

Hi, I’m Kristen. Thank you for stopping by. Follow me along my journey of becoming a faster runner, endurance triathlete, and world traveler. I’ll also mix in a few random musings, open up about life, and share my adventures around my hometown of Bend, Oregon.

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